Springtime Awakening in the Rockies

This winter was very mild and spring arrived early this year.

Our horses started shedding in February. They must have known something we do not. After a sleepy winter, there are other subtle signs of an awakening spring.

One of the first signs is the yucca turning green. The yucca or soapweed yucca plant is found in the dryer areas of Wyoming. It has a beautiful white flower which blooms every 3 years. The sage gradually turn color and green sprouts of grass appear across the prairie.

The bluebirds have come back and I heard my first meadowlark sing this past weekend. You will often see smoke rise as the farmers prepare for planting and burn the irrigation ditches in preparation for water being turned on sometime in April. This will vary with irrigation districts. Plowing has started in Yellowstone National Park and roads will open up in late April and early May.